Myanmar Spring Chronicle – May 20 Viewpoint
MoeMaKa, May 21, 2025
10 PDF Fighters Allegedly Executed by Assam Rifles in Tamu Border Zone
According to reports citing local residents and PDF sources in Tamu District, 10 members of the People’s Defense Force were allegedly detained and executed by India’s Assam Rifles near a border camp between May 13–14. The Myanmar-side sources say the PDF troops were captured near Khampat and their bodies, showing signs of torture and gunshot wounds, were returned days later.
In contrast, Indian media reported that the deaths occurred during a three-hour clash between the Assam Rifles and an armed group across the border, resulting in the deaths of 10 Myanmar-side fighters and seizure of weapons.
Border Tensions Along India’s Manipur and Sagaing Region
Tamu Township, in upper Sagaing Region, borders India’s Manipur State and is a key point along the India-Myanmar trade corridor. The Khampat area—controlled by PDFs under the National Unity Government—has long been contested and is part of the broader frontier where armed resistance against the Myanmar military has intensified.
Meanwhile, Manipur has seen its own internal strife involving Kukis and other ethnic groups, making the situation along the border particularly complex.
An MP from India’s Assam recently reignited controversy by suggesting that Kalay-Kabaw Valley was once Indian territory leased to Myanmar—an assertion that further complicates bilateral sensitivities.
India’s Position: Contrasts Between Manipur and Mizoram
This incident reveals differences in how Indian states interact with Myanmar’s resistance. Manipur’s state authorities have maintained a cooperative stance with the junta, even reportedly arresting and handing over resistance figures.
In contrast, Mizoram State has shown solidarity with Chin refugees, offering shelter and education to displaced families. The contrast between Mizoram’s humanitarian approach and Manipur’s militarized response is increasingly stark.
Junta Helicopter Downed in KIA Siege of Bhamo
In a separate event, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) reportedly shot down a Myanmar military MI-17 helicopter on May 20 near Bhamo. The chopper was part of a resupply mission to a besieged junta base—an effort made necessary due to KIA’s near-complete encirclement of the town.
Images of the burning aircraft and a deceased officer, believed to be a major or colonel, circulated widely on social media. The helicopter was hit, possibly by anti-aircraft weapons or drones, during the operation.
Public Morale Boost as Junta’s Air Power Challenged
The helicopter downing comes amid growing public frustration over relentless junta airstrikes that have killed hundreds of civilians. Many had believed that the junta’s air superiority was unchallengeable, but this incident has revived hope that the resistance can blunt the military’s aerial power.
While some ethnic armed groups have the capacity to target helicopters near the frontlines, bringing down fixed-wing jets remains much harder. Still, this successful strike represents a symbolic and strategic blow to the junta’s confidence in its air dominance.